Interview prep: Internships
Internship interviews are for students or graduates who need workplace experience. Panels look at what you learned in your studies and how you will apply it.
What to expect
- A one-on-one or panel interview, often with your future supervisor
- Questions about your qualification, subjects and any projects
- Sometimes a short practical task in your field
Questions for internships
Tap a question to see why they ask it, how to answer and an example. Change the example to your own story. Panels can tell when an answer is memorised.
What did you learn in your studies that you can use here?
Why they ask
They want to see you can connect theory to real work.
How to answer
Pick two or three subjects or projects that match the duties in the advert.
Example answer
“In Food Technology I studied quality control and microbiology. I did lab practicals where I tested samples for contamination, which is very close to the quality checks described in this internship.”
Tell us about a project you are proud of.
Why they ask
Shows initiative and the level of your skills.
How to answer
Use STAR. Talk about your part, not just the group's.
Example answer
“In my final year our group built a stock system for the college canteen. I designed the database and trained the canteen staff to use it. They now use it every day.”
What do you hope to gain from this internship?
Why they ask
They want someone who will learn and contribute, not just collect a certificate.
How to answer
Mention specific skills and say you want to add value too.
Example answer
“I want real laboratory experience on industrial equipment, and to learn how quality standards work in a factory. I also want to help the team by doing my tasks carefully and on time.”
How do you manage your time with many deadlines?
Why they ask
Interns juggle tasks from different people.
How to answer
Describe a simple system and give a short example from your studies.
Example answer
“During exams I had assignments and a part-time job. I used a weekly planner and finished assignments a day early so I had time to check them.”
What would you do if you did not know how to do a task?
Why they ask
Interns are expected to ask, not guess and make mistakes.
How to answer
Show you try first, then ask the right person, and take notes so you do not ask twice.
Example answer
“I would check any manuals or notes first, then ask my supervisor or a colleague. I would write the steps down so I can do it on my own next time.”
Questions asked in almost every interview
Tell us about yourself.
Why they ask
It is an easy start, and it shows whether you can talk about yourself clearly and stay on topic.
How to answer
Keep it to about one minute. Say what you studied or where you worked, one strength that suits this job, and why you applied. Do not tell your life story or talk about family problems.
Example answer
“I completed my NC(V) in Office Administration at Vhembe TVET College last year. During my studies I did a three-month placement at a local clinic where I filed patient records and answered phones. I am organised and calm with people, and I applied because this job lets me use those skills every day.”
Why do you want this job?
Why they ask
They want to know if you understand the job and if you will stay and work hard, or if you just need any job.
How to answer
Link something real about the job or company to your own goals. Show you read the advert. It is fine to say you need work, but give a better reason first.
Example answer
“I read that this role works directly with customers, and I enjoy helping people solve problems. I also see that you train staff and promote from inside, so I can grow here over the long term.”
What are your strengths?
Why they ask
They are checking if your strengths match what the job needs.
How to answer
Pick two strengths from the advert and prove each with a short example. "I am hard-working" means nothing without proof.
Example answer
“I am reliable and good with numbers. In my last job I opened the shop at 7 every morning for a year without being late once, and I balanced the till every day with no shortages.”
What is your weakness?
Why they ask
They want honesty and to see that you work on yourself.
How to answer
Choose a real weakness that is not central to the job, then say what you are doing to improve it. Do not say "I am a perfectionist" or "I have no weaknesses".
Example answer
“I used to be nervous speaking in front of groups. I joined a church youth committee where I have to give short updates every month, and I am much more confident now.”
Tell us about a time you solved a problem.
Why they ask
Behaviour-based questions show how you really act, not how you say you act.
How to answer
Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Spend most of the time on what YOU did and finish with the result.
Example answer
“At my in-service training (Situation) the printer broke on the day reports were due (Task). I called the supplier, then moved the files to a flash drive and printed them at the library next door (Action). All 40 reports went out on time (Result).”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why they ask
They want to know if you have goals and if those goals fit with them.
How to answer
Show ambition that grows inside the company or field. Avoid saying you want to leave for something unrelated.
Example answer
“I see myself having finished a further qualification in this field and taking on more responsibility, maybe as a team leader, here or in a similar role.”
Do you have any questions for us?
Why they ask
Having no questions can look like you are not interested.
How to answer
Always ask one or two. Ask about the work, training or next steps. Do not start with salary in a first interview unless they bring it up.
Example answer
“What does a normal day in this role look like? And what will the next step be after this interview?”
What to bring
- ID
- Academic record
- CV
- Proof of registration if you are still studying
Good questions to ask them
- Who will I report to?
- What skills do interns usually learn most in the first three months?
On the day
- Arrive 15 minutes early, or log in 10 minutes early for an online interview.
- Dress neatly and simply. Clean and ironed is more important than expensive.
- Greet everyone, make eye contact and switch your phone to silent.
- It is fine to pause and think before you answer.
- Use the STAR method for "tell us about a time" questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Never pay anyone to get an interview or a job. Real employers do not ask for money.